The Cultural Development Fund hosted the 2025 ‘Storytellers’ Suhoor, welcoming an esteemed gathering of cultural and development leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators from across the cultural spectrum, along with media professionals and influencers.
This annual gathering is part of the Fund’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with key stakeholders in the cultural sector while exploring new opportunities to support the sector’s remarkable momentum. It also reflects the Fund’s role as a key financial enabler for the cultural sector and its commitment to nurturing Saudi culture and inspiring creativity.
The evening featured a keynote speech by the Fund’s CEO, Majed bin Abdulmohsen Al-Hugail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center — the team behind the ‘CHEFPreneur’ program, one of the Fund’s supported initiatives. A special highlight of the event was the celebration of 42 program graduates, recognizing their successful completion of the training journey.
The ‘CHEFPreneur’ program is a specialized training initiative designed to equip aspiring chefs with both culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills, empowering them to launch their own ventures and thrive in the culinary industry.
As part of its ongoing support and pride in the projects it enables, the Fund also showcased several beneficiary projects during the evening, giving guests the opportunity to experience their creative products firsthand.
Held in a warm Ramadan atmosphere, the gathering included cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests enjoyed engaging in traditional craft experiences such as prayer bead-making and henna art, alongside a captivating art exhibition by Naifah Alshahrani — a visual artist and craftswoman. Her works, inspired by the intricate Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, paid tribute to the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia, adding vibrant colors and artistic depth to the evening.
Notably, this marks the third consecutive year the Cultural Development Fund has hosted the ‘Storytellers’ event. This year’s event was held at AlMashtal Creative Incubator & House — one of the Fund’s beneficiaries — reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to supporting cultural entrepreneurs and SMEs within the cultural ecosystem. The event also aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to ensure sustainable growth of the cultural sector — ultimately contributing to the national economy and enhancing the quality of life in the Kingdom.
